Setting out to look for your first pedigree kitten can be a daunting process. With so many breeders to choose from how to do you choose?
Before you even consider buying a pedigree kitten please make sure that you have thoroughly thought through the following points first:
A kitten is a living creature that will be a large part of your family for (hopefully) many years to come. He/she will require your time and patience and rely on you for its food, warmth and care.
You will have to buy various items for the kittens needs. These can include:
Food
Litter
Toys
Bed
Kitty climber
Harness
Insurance
You may incur future veterinary costs. Even if your kitten is insured, the insurance may not cover all treatment, which depending on your kitten’s health problem, could potentially run into thousands of pounds.
Will you be able to make arrangements for your kitten if you have to go away or you are taken ill? If you do not have a family member or friend to cat sit for you then you would have to consider a boarding cattery. This is another additional future expense that you will have to be prepared for.
When you take into account the expense of not only buying a pedigree kitten but also of its future upkeep please make sure that you are financially capable of owning a pedigree kitten. If you are in doubt, then please look to home an older cat or visit one of the many rescue centres. There are plenty of cats in rescue that need loving homes.
THE BREEDER
You would be wise to visit some cat shows where you can speak to some Bengal breeders. You will be able to meet the Bengals there and get a feel for the breed and learn about the breed’s temperament and needs. Any breeder should be more than willing to answer your questions. It might be a good idea to take a list of questions with you.
Research the Bengal breed as much as you can. Some recommended informative books on the breed are:
Guide to Owning a Bengal Cat – Jean Mill
The Bengal Cat – Jean Ducote
Bengal Cats – A complete Pet Owners Manual – Dan Rice
The following websites list registered Bengal breeders:
UK
www.bengalkittenlist.co.uk
www.bengalcatsandkittens.org.uk (The Bengal Cat club of Great Britain)
www.bengalcatclub.co.uk (The Bengal Cat Club)
www.gccfcats.org
International
www.bengalcat.com (TIBCS)
www.tica.org
www.bengalclassifieds.com
Visiting the Cattery
A reputable breeder will be more than willing to answer any questions that you may have. Deciding to buy a kitten is a big responsibility so never be afraid to ask for information/advice or if you have any concerns, no matter how ‘trivial’ you think they may be. You may wish to consider asking the following questions to your Bengal breeder:
1. How long have you been breeding Bengals and what made you decide to breed them?
A genuine breeder will be passionate about the breed and willing to talk enthusiastically and honestly about their cats and their reasons for breeding them which should be to help to progress the breed forward in a healthy and positive direction.
2. How many cats do they have and where/how are they kept?
Ideally a breeder will have ample room for their breeding cats. They should have their own separate living quarters away from other cats. Stud cats are normally kept in outside pens which should be large enough for the cat to exercise. Each pen should be clean, heated and with enough toys/climbers to keep the cats active and occupied.
Breeding queens should have their own space, especially when they are pregnant, to ensure they are kept in as stress-free environment as possible. Sometimes 2 queens many be kept together if they get along, but keeping entire females together who may fight is not a good breeding practice. With the hormonal changes that can take place in pregnancy or when a female is in heat, can potentially put an unnecessary burden on the queen’s health as well as her kittens.
3.Where are the kittens born?
If the breeder has more than one litter of kittens then they should ideally be kept segregated. Infection and disease spreads quickly and there is always a high risk of other litters becoming ill if one litter succumbs to an infection/virus.
The kitten quarters should be scrupulously clean with enough space for the kittens to exercise and play. The litter boxes/bed/bedding/toys/bowls should be kept clean, and there should be fresh food and water available.
The kittens should be friendly, sociable and fearless if they have had enough stimulation and care from a very early age. The kittens’ eyes should be clear, bright and alert. Their noses should be clear, clean and without any discharge. Breathing should be normal and regular without any wheezing or ‘sniffles’.
4. Are the kittens vaccinated?
Ask the breeder which vaccinations the kittens have had and when they are due for their next vaccinations. A pedigree kitten should come with a vaccination certificate signed by a qualified veterinarian.
5. Have any of the kittens in the litter been ill?
If they have, what were the symptoms? What diagnosis did they have?
6. Ask to meet the parents of the kitten/s.
Are they both healthy and do they have friendly temperaments?
7. Do the kittens come with a 4 or 5 generation pedigree?
The pedigree should show the kitten’s parents and ancestors for at least 4 generations. The first 3 generations should state the cats’ registration numbers. The pedigree should be signed by the breeder.
8. Is the kitten registered?
The majority of breeders will hold back your kitten’s reg. paper until proof of neutering is supplied. Your pet kitten will be registered on the INACTIVE register which means you may not breed from the kitten. You will need the kitten’s reg. paper if you are showing your kitten. Discuss this with your breeder.
9. Is the breeder registered?
Your breeder should be registered with one of the governing bodies such as GCCF (In the UK) or TICA.
10. Does the breeder offer any health guarantees?
Some breeders will supply a written contract with their kittens. You will normally be advised to take your kitten to your vet within the first 48 hours of bringing him/her home. Please make sure you understand the contract and whether it covers your kitten for inherited genetic conditions, such as HCM or PKD. Ask your breeder whether they carry out any health testing on their breeding cats. Any reputable breeder should be supportive, honest and happy to give you advice long after their kittens have left their cattery. A good breeder is a responsible breeder.
Your kitten should therefore be going home with the following:
A pedigree showing at least four generations of the cat's ancestors, & signed by the breeder.
A registration or transfer certificate from the appropriate registration body.
A record of the cat's vaccinations to date from a registered veterinarian. Your kitten should be vaccinated for flu & enteritis at 9 weeks old and receive its second course at 12 weeks old.
A kitten pack. This is supplied by many breeders and can consist of samples of food/litter/ and toys.
A contract.
A receipt.
If you have any questions before making your decision, this forum offers a wealth of information and experience so please feel welcome to post on here asking for advice in the relevant section.
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